Author. He became an important figure in antebellum American literature as a critic and editor of several publications in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, New York City, New York, and elsewhere. He was licensed as a Baptist minister in 1837, though he never had a congregation. His major influence came from a series of anthologies which he collected, beginning with "The Poets and Poetry of America" in 1842. The book, which collected the works of both major and minor American poets, went through three editions in its first six months. Other anthologies included "The Female Poets of America" and "The Prose Writers of America" as well as a book called "The Republican Court" describing the people surrounding George Washington during his time as President. Griswold was admired by many as a strong advocate of developing national literature, a proponent of teaching American poetry in schools, and a supporter of better copyright laws. Griswold was also known for his many feuds and literary battles. Many recognize his name today for his posthumous attacks on rival Edgar Allan Poe, for whom Griswold served as first biographer and literary executor. Griswold's various writings on Poe are still being disputed today.

Author. He became an important figure in antebellum American literature as a critic and editor of several publications in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, New York City, New York, and elsewhere. He was licensed as a Baptist minister in 1837, though he never had a congregation. His major influence came from a series of anthologies which he collected, beginning with "The Poets and Poetry of America" in 1842. The book, which collected the works of both major and minor American poets, went through three editions in its first six months. Other anthologies included "The Female Poets of America" and "The Prose Writers of America" as well as a book called "The Republican Court" describing the people surrounding George Washington during his time as President. Griswold was admired by many as a strong advocate of developing national literature, a proponent of teaching American poetry in schools, and a supporter of better copyright laws. Griswold was also known for his many feuds and literary battles. Many recognize his name today for his posthumous attacks on rival Edgar Allan Poe, for whom Griswold served as first biographer and literary executor. Griswold's various writings on Poe are still being disputed today.

Bio by: Midnightdreary